“I do not recall giving instructions for games,” I remark as I take a seat at the Crown Prince’s instruction.
“I know. You shall be pleased to note that I corrected the mistake at once!”
“What shall we play?”
James gives me a roguish smile as he begins to shuffle the deck of cards. “Whatever fate fancies this evening. There is a new man coming—you will like him, I rather think. He reminds me of you.”
“Ah, as lucky as he is handsome?” I reach for the glass a servant has put before me.
“As arrogant as he is of unremarkable countenance,” James corrects, the cards falling neatly from one hand to the next.
“Indeed.” I lift my glass to toast my friend before sampling the fine whiskey.
There are voices behind us, and when I turn to greet them I see two men bowing to the prince.
James bids them to sit with a wave of his royal hand.
“Your Grace, it has been awhile since I have had the pleasure.”
I smile as Lord Carlisle takes the seat beside me. “Ah, well met, old friend!”
“In your cups already?” I hear the prince murmur, but I ignore him.
“Marriage seems to agree with you.Twochildren already, I hear.”
I nod, unable to keep the smile from my face. “Yes, Her Grace and I are most fortunate.”
“Perhaps fortune will favor more than one of us this evening, my lords. Oh—Your Grace, please allow me to introduce you to the newest viscount of Ruinanne, Andrew Cavendish.”
I look at the man my friend has indicated. The new viscount is tall, with sandy blond hair, and clearly very young. I greet him warmly. “Well met, my lord.”
“Thank you for extending an invitation, Your Grace.”
“Yes, yes, now that all the formalities are out of the way, shall we play?” The prince asks.
I observe my friend more closely. He seems rather agitated tonight, but this is far from the proper venue to make inquiries. “Indeed, Your Highness.”
“Perhaps you can give the duke a run for his money, my lord,” the prince says to the viscount. “Has His Grace ever told you how his last wager worked out?”
The young man looks at me shyly, then back to the prince, clearly ill at his ease. “Ah, no, Your Highness.”
“Well, then, let us play! We shall have cards, and drink, and stories besides!”
I chuckle and regard the men assembled. In truth, while I shall never turn down a wager, there is nothing for me to win this night. I have had more favor than any man ought to be allowed.
“Your Grace,” Prince James captures my attention as he moves the deck of cards between his hands, shuffling skillfully. “Do you think Fortune favors you this eve?”
I cannot stop a smile from curving my lips. “Truly, Your Highness, I tell you: she has never stopped.”
THE END
